AVOID Shares "If It Hurts" Video

UNFD welcomed AVOID to its roster last year and the band shared its debut single for the label in the form of "BURN." Watch the video for the gnarly track here. 

Now, the band is kicking the door to 2025 open with the new single "If It Hurts." Loaded with raucous riffs and kinetic, industrial grit, it's the kind of track that fans will be clamoring to see the band perform live so they can mosh and sing along to the choruses, which will imprint themselves in your brain. The track teeters on an axis between trudging grooves and off-kilter electronics, speaking to the dynamics at the heart of AVOID's sound. Cymbal crashes match the intensity of a thick riff beatdown as the vocals alternate between vulnerable and vicious. Ultimately, the emotion overflows on a chantable chorus that's as incendiary as it is infectious, "And I don’t care if it hurts, you kept on making it worse, another memory burned away." It's the soundtrack for the moment you wave goodbye to your toxic ex in the rearview mirror once and for all.

Watch the visualizer below.

“Honestly, I think the song was really healing for all of us," explains singer Benny Scholl. "It's about accepting the past, whether it be good or bad, and moving forward, and we couldn't be more stoked with how it turned out.”"

If you are not yet familiar with AVOID, allow them to make your acquaintance.

AVOID answers the question "What if Dale Earnhardt, Guy Fieri, and Steve-O started a Spinal Tap cover band?" in spirit, ethos, and energy. And it kicks ass.

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Seattle, this four-piece is on a mission to foster a sense of community through their genre-defying sound. Drawing from their hometown's rich musical legacy, AVOID craft a dynamic musical mix that captures the essence of nostalgia while pushing boundaries into uncharted territory. With NASCAR and Fortnite as their fuel, AVOID aim to champion inclusivity and revive the spirit of heavy music with a fresh, passionate approach.

Currently hard at work on their new album, set to drop in 2025 via UNFD, AVOID are ready to take things to the next level. Their upcoming release promises to deliver the same infectious energy and artistic flair that fans have come to love, while reminding us to have fun along the way. 

AVOID ARE:
Benny Scholl — Vocals
Nick Olson — Guitar
Chris Echols — Guitar
Paul Jaton — Drums

New Model Army Announce Live Album "Live SO36" + Share New Single "Never Arriving (Live At SO36)"

Raw, unfiltered, and brimming with energy, Live SO36 captures New Model Army at their most visceral. This is the full electrifying performance, recorded on July 16, 2022 at Berlin's legendary SO36 venue, with 19 Songs, mixing both fan-favouites such as "The Hunt," "Vengeance," and "Poison Street" with rarer songs from all eras of their long history — and can be seen as a companion piece to their 2023 live release Sinfonia, which had been recorded the day before.

"When the idea of doing a New Model Army concert with a full orchestra at Berlin's magnificent Tempodrom venue was first floated, we had a thought: That if we were going to do something so extravagant, we should also do the exact opposite on the same weekend. So, we booked the following two evenings at Berlin's legendary Punk Rock sweatbox, the SO36 in Kreuzberg, and returned to being the simplest, stripped-down version of New Model Army we could be — without orchestra, keyboards, or double drums.

"Over the two nights, we performed 38 different songs (to add to the 21 performed with the orchestra), with the intention that the weekend should be seen as a whole. The Sinfonia project, in all its magnificence, was released in 2023. Now, at last, comes the sweaty, full-on rock and roll. Both nights were recorded although only the first was filmed. Here it is!" – New Model Army

Pre-order the album Live SO36 HERE.

Live SO36 will be available as 2CD+DVD Digipak, including the full show audio and video, and 'Black 2LP Gatefold.

PARTY-STARTER DUSTIN LYNCH ANNOUNCES LAS VEGAS CLUB SET RESIDENCY

After hosting his see-and-be-seen pool parties for the last decade, multi-platinum star Dustin Lynch today (1/24) marks Wynn Nightlife’s first-ever country music artist residency in Las Vegas, NV. Breaking the news on his buzzed-about club set, check out the history-making announcement from Wynn Las Vegas’ premier nightlife brand here.

Teaming up with Wynn Nightlife’s status as a leader in world-class entertainment, Lynch is bringing a live performance Daytime Pool Situation to Encore Beach Club and a Club Set to XS Nightclub. Beginning Super Bowl weekend, fans can find Lynch launching his 2025 WYNN NIGHTLIFE LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY on February 7 at XS Nightclub (with special guest Brandi Cyrus). Presented by Desert Saddle, Wynn Nightlife’s popular country music brand, find full ticketing details here.

ANNOUNCED DATES AND LOCATIONS FOR DUSTIN LYNCH’S 2025 WYNN NIGHTLIFE 
LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY:

FEBRUARY 7 | XS Nightclub  
MARCH 14 | Encore Beach Club
APRIL 23 | XS Nightclub
JULY 4 | Encore Beach Club
AUGUST 17 | XS Nightclub

Already spotted in DJ booths in Las Vegas, NV, Miami Beach, FL, and Aspen, CO, last year, to just popping up at Paris Texas in Toronto, ON, last night (1/23), Lynch promises more dates to be added to his 2025 WYNN NIGHTLIFE LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY soon.

ABOUT DUSTIN LYNCH:
Dustin Lynch has "built one of the most consistent recording careers in modern country music” (Billboard), achieving 10 #1s; four Top 5 albums; 10 GOLD, PLATINUM, and MULTI-PLATINUM certified singles; and tallying over 4.4 BILLION cumulative global streams. His sixth studio album Killed The Cowboy (BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville), featuring #1 “Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll),” is currently making a statement. The follow-up to Blue In The Sky, which delivered the history-making 2X PLATINUM, six-week #1 “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter)” – the most-played song at Country radio in 2022 landing at #1 on the Mediabase and #2 on the Billboard Year-End Country Airplay charts – also featured hit singles: #1 “Stars Like Confetti” and “Party Mode.” Lynch has headlined packed venues to sold-out crowds like his latest KILLED THE COWBOY TOUR, in addition to touring with Country’s biggest names including Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Brad Paisley, and Blake Shelton. Since his PLATINUM breakout “Cowboys and Angels” in 2012, the Tennessee native has earned industry recognition as a Grand Ole Opry member, as well as high-profile nominations for the Academy of Country Music Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, iHeartRadio Music Awards, and CMT Music Awards.

ABOUT WYNN NIGHTLIFE:
Wynn Nightlife consists of the award-winning dayclub and nightclubs at Wynn Las Vegas, the recipient of more Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awards than any other independent hotel company in the world. The resort is home to the Las Vegas Strip's most luxurious nightlife venues, XS and Encore Beach Club at Night, as well as the acclaimed dayclub, Encore Beach Club. Recently added to the portfolio, Wynn Field Club at Allegiant Stadium offers guests the first of its kind in stadium entertainment. Combined, the venues feature a roster of today's most in-demand artists. Learn more at www.wynnnightlife.com.

KEEP UP WITH DUSTIN LYNCH
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | X | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK

Legendary Hard Rockers BONFIRE's New Album 'Higher Ground' Out NOW via Frontiers Music SRL

Legendary German hard rockers BONFIRE are thrilled to release their highly anticipated new studio album, 'Higher Ground', out now via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate, BONFIRE have released a visualizer for the new single, the title track of the record, available to view below.

Guitarist Hans Ziller describes the new single, by saying:

“'Higher Ground' is the title track from the new album. It features crunchy guitar riffs with a pulsing rhythm in classic BONFIRE powerhouse style. All fans of real melodic anthems will love this track!”

Ziller also expresses his enthusiasm for the new album:

“The new BONFIRE album is a masterpiece. BONFIRE have reinvented themselves with 'Higher Ground', never neglecting their virtues - fat hard guitars, incredible solos, great choir passages and stirring vocals. The band plays as one and is at its best.”

Watch the New Visualizer for "Higher Ground" below.

BONFIRE is one of the most seminal German hard rock bands of the past fifty years. Originally founded as Cacumen in 1972 by guitarist Hans Ziller in Ingolstadt, Germany, the group initially played local venues, steadily building a fan base before releasing their first album under the name Cacumen.

In 1986, the band rebranded as BONFIRE, and their debut album as BONFIRE, 'Don't Touch the Light,' marked their international breakthrough. They followed it up with 'Fireworks' in 1987, which further cemented their status in the rock and metal scene. Despite their success, BONFIRE experienced several lineup changes, including the departure of key members. However, Ziller, the band’s driving force, kept BONFIRE alive, continuously adapting to the challenges faced by the group.

In the 1990s, BONFIRE briefly disbanded but returned in 1996, with Ziller reclaiming the rights to the band’s name. Since then, BONFIRE has released numerous albums and maintained a strong presence on the international rock scene. BONFIRE has remained a resilient force in hard rock, continuing to tour and release new material well into the 21st century.

During their most successful phase with album classics such as 'Don’t Touch The Light' (1986), 'Fireworks'(1987) and 'Point Blank' (1989), the group – alongside Scorpions and Accept – counted among the three most popular German acts on a global basis, including triumphal accomplishments throughout Europe and overseas, celebrated tours alongside Judas Priest and ZZ Top, gold records, high chart positions, TV appearances and more than 35 million YouTube views of their hit “You Make Me Feel” alone.

The band’s trademarks continue to be and always have been deeply melodic hard rock songs, driven by captivating guitar parts, grooving rhythms, and haunting vocal melodies. To this day, band founder/guitarist Hans Ziller and his exceptional group regularly awe their fans with new releases and impressive shows.

'Higher Ground' is a new life chapter for BONFIRE and the very first release under the wings of Frontiers Records.

BONFIRE are:

Hans Ziller - Guitar

Dyan Mair - Vocals

Frank Pané - Guitar

Ronnie Parkes - Bass

Fabio Alessandrini - Drums

Rock Band Swim the Current Release New Single "Right Your Wrong" via TLG|ZOID ​

The dynamic rock band Swim the Current is thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, "Right Your Wrong", via TLG|ZOID, distributed by Virgin Music Group. The powerful new track was co-produced by George Pond, Sahaj Ticotin and David Caplinger.

STREAM "Right Your Wrong"

https://ffm.to/stc-rightyourwrong

Bringing together an all-star lineup of rock talents, including vocalist Marcos Leal(formerly of Ill Niño), bassist George Pond (Disciples of Verity), guitarist Greg Antine, drummer Chris Moore (George Lynch, Ultraphonix, Rock of Ages), and lead guitarist Joe Gareri, "Stay" takes the band's sound to new heights.

Having played in numerous bands throughout the years, Guitarist Greg Antine came to a point in his career where he wanted to branch out and write songs that had more depth and were inspired by his personal life experiences. Having worked with Bassist George Pond for several years in previous projects including, Disciples Of Verity, Greg expressed his concept for Swim The Current to George in hopes of collaborating with him on this new music venture. The two began to flesh out ideas in George’s home studio and realized quickly that they were on to something special, but still needed something more to see their ideas through to complete their concepts. Greg was introduced to Joe Gareri, Guitar/Keyboards, by George during the Disciples Of Verity debut album recording sessions which Joe is also featured on as a guest artist. The three of them immediately hit it off and worked extremely well together. Greg and George realized that Joe’s cinematic writing style would be a perfect match for their concepts and Joe was then brought in as a full time member. After two songs were completed and demo’d in George’s studio utilizing programmed drums, it was suggested by their friend Allyson Song River Jaynes, that they reach out to her friend, drummer Chris Moore of Ultraphonix, Rock Of Ages, to see if he would be interested in working with the project. Upon hearing the strength of songwriting and musicianship of the band, Chris was all in and signed on as the fourth full time member of STC and now the band, from an instrument’s perspective, was complete.

The final missing piece for STC was a lead vocalist who could capture the sound they envisioned for their music. After working in the studio with a few different vocalists, George ultimately reached out to his friend Marcos Leal, of legendary international touring band Ill Nino. Marcos loved the music of STC as well as having the freedom and creativity of writing lyrics for the project. After recording their first song together with Marcos, "We Are Not The Same", everyone new that this lineup was something special and Swim The Current was now complete! The release of "We Are Not The Same" took off instantly, and amassed thousands of streams, YouTube views and followers through a total organic DIY social media campaign.

Swim The Current’s sound is influenced and reminiscent of many of their favorite artists including, Deftones, Faith No More, Sevendust, POD, and Stabbing Westward. They continue to write new music and look forward to sharing their future releases with the world!

For More Information Please Visit:

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Melodic Metal Powerhouse THE FERRYMEN's New Album 'Iron Will' Out NOW via Frontiers Music SRL

Melodic metal powerhouse THE FERRYMEN (Magnus Karlsson, Ronnie Romero, and Mike Terrana) have released their new studio album, 'Iron Will', out now via Frontiers Music Srl. To celebrate, THE FERRYMEN have released a visualizer for the new single “Above It All”, available to view below. 

Guitarist Magnus Karlsson describes the new single:

“'Above It All' is probably my favourite song of the 'Iron Will' album, with beautiful lyrics by Jane E Gillard. The chorus is a blend of dual melodies soaring together. And of course, with Ronnie singing his heart out and Mike’s awesome groove it really became something special we can be proud of and hope that you will enjoy! May it move you, inspire you, and lift you... above it all!”

Watch the Visualizer for “Above It All” Below.

Guitarist Magnus Karlsson expresses his excitement for the release:

“It’s pure fire creating metal with legends like Ronnie and Mike! These tracks hit hard with unrelenting power, but there’s this raw, emotional edge woven into the heaviness that I can’t get enough of. Heavy, honest, and straight from the soul—that’s the vibe we’re bringing”.

“As usual, I just loved singing over Magnus/THE FERRYMEN songs!! As a singer, there is nothing better to work on melodies and lyrics that inspire your performance, but also in real life day by day, and that’s something I strongly believe the fans of the band like the most of this project. 



"Can’t wait for everybody to listen to what, once again, is a strong melodic yet heavy album that I am very proud of”, adds vocalist Ronnie Romero.

Order 'Iron Will' HERE

THE FERRYMAN was formed by masterful Swedish guitarist/songwriter/producer Magnus Karlsson (Primal Fear, Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall), incredible vocalist Ronnie Romero(Lords of Black, Sunstorm, Rainow), and thunderous drummer Mike Terrana (Rage, Axel Rudi Pell, etc.), and have become an established name amongst European melodic metal fans after their first three successful albums. Fans should now prepare themselves for album four!

On 'Iron Will', once again, the band take the classic heavy metal sound and combine it with heavier, updated songwriting textures and arrangements. 'Iron Will' is certainly a huge shot of adrenaline for all lovers of melodic heavy metal!

Musically, you can expect as usual a very heavy, melodic metal that fuses the songwriting and epic structures of the great Karlsson, who is known for his work with Primal Fear, Allen/Lande, and more, with the huge, powerful vocal approach of Romero, and the driving, explosive drumming of Terrana.

From the high emotional intro of the opening track “Choke Hold”, ready to explode into a powerful melodic metal track, through songs like “Mother Unholy”, “Adrenaline” and the latest track “You’re The Joker”, the album showcases the amazing talent of these three great musicians!

With, once again, stunning artwork courtesy of Stan W. Decker, THE FERRYMEN’s latest album, 'Iron Will', will take the metal world by storm in 2025!

THE FERRYMEN are:

Ronnie Romero - Vocals

Mike Terrana - Drums

Magnus Karlsson - Guitars

Bury Tomorrow Share New Single "Let Go"

Building on a huge touring run that saw the band visit their biggest ever venues across the UK, Europe, USA, Australia and Japan, Bury Tomorrow look forward to an even bigger 2025.

New single "Let Go" serves as the third preview of the recently announced LP, Will You Haunt Me, With That Same Patience, and looks set to continue stoking the furnace of a fanbase already burning brightly.

Listen to the track below.

On "Let Go," the band table perhaps the biggest addition to their sonic approach to date, whilst still maintaining their signature savagery. Drum and bass beats collide with breakdowns,  as aggressive vocals interweave in and around the tempo in a spoken word delivery, reinforced by stadium-sized choruses.

The track explores concepts of honesty, as frontman Dani Winter-Bates expands, "Both within yourself and the people around you. To be dishonest with yourself leads to decisions based in fear and can lead to regret, while to be true to yourself can cost some of the things you hold closest." 

Co-vocalist Tom Prendergast goes further, saying "There is a sense throughout the song that we can often give all of our energy to a toxic situation and need to recognize when to cut ties to grow. 'Let Go' is about how that can shape you, change you and define your choices and your path through life. There is a cost to every choice, and there are some harder to let go of than others."

For Bury Tomorrow, the last two years have been about trying to fill the space where they knew something was missing.

From the depths of uncertainty, through line-up changes and COVID-inspired road blocks, the arrival of guitarist Ed Hartwell and keyboardist/vocalist rendergast and the creation of 2023's The Seventh Sun has allowed them to lay out a whole new path of possibilities that felt unavailable before. Now, with an invigorated belief and fresh outlook on what the band can encompass, they present Will You Haunt Me, With That Same Patience, their most fantastically visceral offering to date.

Crafted more intimately and intricately than ever before by internalizing every aspect of the writing process, with Carl Bown [Sleep Token, Bullet For My Valentine, While She Sleeps] manning production duties for the first time, the result is a profoundly personal, extraordinarily expansive, and punishingly grand display of cathartic craftsmanship.

Born from a shared sense of frustration in feeling an ever-shifting disconnect from the state of modern society, the band have created an earnest, heart-wrenching, and definitive look at the overlapping effects of brutal self-sabotage, crippling anxiety, fierce despondency, and the never-ending search for peace and clarity in a world so full of noise. It is a record about division as much as togetherness, an outpouring of personal devastation but a hopeful reminder that we are all navigating it together.

"To haunt is to revisit or recur persistently to the consciousness of someone or something," explains guitarist Kristan Dawson. "There's beauty in that commitment somewhat. In a world full of distraction, discourse, instancy and demand, patience seems hard to attain. In patience, there is peace, one thing society is short of. The title serves as a call of reflection, relying on the present moment, remembering what truly matters. I think the notion of patience being haunting is quite a contrast and that's certainly reflective of the album musically."

Within such deep sonic exploration and shared emotional understanding, and despite its bleak outlook on things, Will You Haunt Me With That Same Patience still strives to represent that lingering presence, that hope, that reminds us that this isn't the be-all and end-all of this existence. That things can change for the better, just like we can change for the better with it, and persevering through such separation will bring us back around eventually. We just have to weather the storm and trust in that feeling to pull us through.

To have allowed themselves the time and space to reach this point of comfort and confidence now feels like a starting point for everything that the band will do in the future. Expanding their empire in all corners of the world and delivering their biggest statement of intent to date is the beginning of a whole new chapter in the story of one of the most devastating and dedicated assets to British heavy music.

Pre-Save/Pre-Order here.

BURY TOMORROW ON TOUR:
WITH WHILE SHE SLEEPS + VENDED:
4/2 — Cleveland, OH — The Roxy
4/3 — Toronto, ONT — Danforth Music Hall
4/5 — Montreal, QC — Olympia
4/6 — Boston, MA — Paradise Rock Club
4/7 — New York, NY — Irving Plaza
4/9 — Columbus, OH — Newport Music Hall
4/10 — Chicago, IL — Concord Music Hall
4/11 — Milwaukee, WI —The Rave
4/12 — Minneapolis, MN — Skyway Theatre
4/13 — Lawrence, KS — The Granada
4/15 — Denver, CO — The Oriental Theatre
4/16 — Salt Lake City, UT — Soundwell
4/18 — Sacramento, CA — Ace Of Spades
4/19 — Berkley, CA — The UC Theatre
4/20 — Los Angeles, CA — The Regent Theatre
4/21 — Tucson, AZ — The Encore
4/23 — Oklahoma City, OK — Beer City Music Hall
4/24 — Dallas, TX — South Side Music Hall
4/25 — San Antonio, TX — Paper Tiger
4/26 — Houston, TX — Warehouse Live
4/28 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues
4/29 — Atlanta, GA — The Masquerade
4/30 — Charlotte, NC — The Underground

The Dark Share Video For New Single - Circles

The Dark have dropped "Circles," a dynamic fusion of metal and disco that explores duality through tension, acceptance, and big questions. Packed with disco beats, heavy riffs, and acid bass, the track pushes boundaries both sonically and visually, featuring gritty, distorted aesthetics. "Circles" is a bold statement from a band redefining the limits of their sound.
 
"The whole song is about duality," says the band. "It's the heat of the moment, and it's the big picture. It's the sexual tension, and it's acceptance. It's asking the big questions and then ignoring them. It's metal and it's disco. Even when it came time to make the visuals, we said, 'Let's film it on the nicest camera I have and then run it through a cheap old TV and ruin it... that's perfect.
 
"'Circles' is probably my favorite track on the EP to produce. I got to check all my favorite boxes. The disco influence, the call and response verses, the riffs in the chorus, acid bass everywhere, the freaking innuendos... and then a massive inhale at the end... absolute blast."

Watch the video below.

Stream the song here.

LANDMVRKS Share Video For New Single - A Line in the Dust

French metalcore stars LANDMVRKS have unveiled their latest single, "A Line In The Dust" featuring Mat Welsh from While She Sleeps. A fiery and emotional anthem that continues to build anticipation for their forthcoming fourth album, The Darkest Place I’ve Ever Been, set for release on April 25.

Following the explosive double single "Sulfur and Sombre" and "16,"  "A Line In The Dust" showcases the Marseille-based quintet's signature blend of punishing riffs, melodic hooks, and deeply personal lyricism. Frontman Florent Salfati's powerful vocals lead the charge in what is already being hailed as one of the band's most emotionally resonant tracks to date.

Known for pushing boundaries and captivating over 900,000 monthly Spotify listeners, LANDMVRKS continue to carve their name into the global metalcore scene. With pre-orders for The Darkest Place I've Ever Been now live, fans can expect the album to be their most ambitious and impactful release yet.

LANDMVRKS' relentless drive, paired with their world touring success in 2024 and past hits like "Creature," ensures that A Line In The Dust is another bold step in solidifying their legacy as a force to be reckoned with in modern metalcore.
 
A Line In The Dust continues to develop the story of the creature, who, in a moment of self-awareness, realizes who she truly is and that she is trapped in her own world. 

The addition of Mat Welsh emphasizes the effect of duality and adds a universal dimension to this story.

Watch the video below.

 Stream + download "A Line In The Dust" here.

LANDMVRKS ON TOUR:
3/8 — Worcester, MA — The Palladium
3/9 — Montreal, QC — L'Olympia
3/10 — Toronto, ON — History
3/11 — Cleveland, OH — The Agora
3/12 — Detroit, MI — The Fillmore (scaled)
3/14 — Chicago, IL — The Riviera
3/15 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave
3/16 — Minneapolis, MN — The Fillmore
3/18 — Denver, CO — The Ogden
3/19 — Albuquerque, NM — Sunshine Theater
3/21 — Los Angeles, CA — The Wiltern
3/22 — San Diego, CA — Observatory Northpark
3/23 — Phoenix, AZ — Marquee (scaled)
3/25 — San Antonio, TX — The Aztect Theatre
3/26 — Houston, TX — House of Blues
3/28 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues
3/29 — Atlanta, GA — Masquerade
3/30 — Charlotte, NC — The Fillmore
4/1 — Norfolk, VA — The NorVA
4/3 — Pittsburgh, PA — The Roxian
4/4 — Silver Spring, MD — The Fillmore
4/5 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom

H.E.A.T Announce New Album "Welcome To The Future" + Share Video For New Track "Disaster"

Hard rock sensation H.E.A.T light up 2025 with the announcement of their brand-new studio album Welcome to the Future, set for release on April 25 on earMUSIC. 

The first single "Disaster," which premiered yesterday on rock radio stations across Europe, is out today and guaranteed to snap listeners out of their winter sleep. The track comes with an explosive music video that merges '80s arcade aesthetics with metal madness, directed by the renowned Patric Ullaeus (known for his work with Europe, Arch Enemy, Children of Bodom, and many more rock superstars).

LISTEN + WATCH "DISASTER"

Welcome to the Future delivers everything that fans of the celebrated Swedish rock band love: an innovative, heavy, highly dynamic, and refreshingly melodic sound, the unmistakable vocals of frontman Kenny Leckremo, and an inimitable talent for catchy anthems that leave you hooked for days.

Welcome to the Future is now available for pre-order and will be released in multiple formats: CD jewel case, black vinyl, ltd. neon orange vinyl, and digital. 

ACCESS THE NEW ALBUM

In support of the album, H.E.A.T will kick off their 2025 tour next week, bringing their breathtaking shows to stages across the UK, Sweden, Germany, Spain, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru.

The fun is just beginning!

Bryce Leatherwood Knows "Where The Bar Is” with New Song Out Now

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –  On the heels of a breakout 2024 that found Mercury Nashville recording artist Bryce Leatherwood making his Grand Ole Opry debut and releasing his first single to country radio, the soulful crooner is showing no signs of slowing down in 2025. With his latest release, “Where The Bar Is,” available today, the neotraditional country singer/songwriter gives fans an additional taste of what’s to come as he readies his debut album to be released this spring. Listen to “Where the Bar Is” below.
 
“When I first heard the demo for this song it got stuck in my head immediately,” shared Leatherwood. “It took me back to when I was just starting out and playing with my band at Georgia Southern. It reminds me of the bars we’d play…and drink at. It is definitely a song I’d have a beer with, both then and now and I’m so excited for y’all to hear it!”
 
Written by Chase McGill, Cole Taylor, Michael Carter and Shane Minor, combining country and rock the quick-hitting tale of late nights is a head-nodding, foot-tapping ode to open bars and the escape an ice-cold beer with buddies can provide after a long week of work.

This latest release follows “Hung Up On You” Leatherwood’s debut single arrived at country radio as the most-added single, with 45 first week adds and is currently climbing the chart. Listen to “Hung Up on You” HERE. 
 
The old-soul, Woodstock, Georgia native began chasing a dream in eighth grade when his father handed over a much loved Greatest Hits CD by Conway Twitty. Leatherwood formed a band in his college town, Statesboro, Georgia, booking local gigs to pair country covers with flashes of his love for Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Allman Brothers Band and more. 
 
Soon, his booming vocal pushed the band out on to the Southeastern tour circuit, and as college graduation neared, a fork in the road loomed. Enthralled with the rush of the stage and beginning to write his own songs, the future star could either put down his guitar and go get a job, or take a less-traveled route. 
 
He submitted his name for NBC’s The Voice – Leatherwood went on to win season 22 of the hit show in 2022 and signed a management deal with Morris Higham Management in December of that year. Following his success on The Voice, Leatherwood began pursuing a full-time music career, inking a record deal with Republic Records and Mercury Nashville in October 2023. 
 
A next generation traditionalist plugged firmly into the modern mainstream, with all the hallmarks of a rising star, Leatherwood concluded his first-ever headlining tour, The Neon Does Tour, and performed at CMA Fest’s Good Molecules Reverb Stage last summer, and made his Grand Ole Opry debut Sept. 14, 2024. Last year he also released the pure-country tracks “Still Learning,” “The One My Daddy Found” and “Neon Does” fusing classic and contemporary sounds and was featured in Boot Barn’s 2024 spring campaign Taking Flight, a highlight on up-and-coming country musicians, and was also named a 2024 Artist to Watch by Music Mayhem and Country Now.
 
Looking ahead, Leatherwood is currently on the road for select concert dates all across the country, including upcoming stops in Idaho, Oregon and Michigan, plus a series of Californian shows scheduled for March and May.
 
To follow along with updates and for more information, visit bryceleatherwood.com or follow along on Instagram HERE, Facebook HERE, X HERE or Tik Tok HERE.

About Bryce Leatherwood: 
Singer/songwriter Bryce Leatherwood aims to carry the torch of country music and continue the legacy of legends prior. Born and raised in Woodstock, GA, his passion for music began at an early age. Working on his grandfather’s farm every summer, Leatherwood was exposed to the classic country hits of George Jones, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty. Soon thereafter he began picking up guitars and playing the traditional country music that inspires him today. Leatherwood’s music career began to blossom in Statesboro, GA, where he attended Georgia Southern University. During his time in Statesboro, Leatherwood played college venues and continued to grow his stage presence and his country music repertoire. While in college, Leatherwood formed his band and began playing all around the Southeast. Bryce’s goal was to take the stage and play the best of country music to all ages and audiences. Just weeks after graduating college, Bryce set his mind on a new task. In 2022, Leatherwood competed on the NBC hit television show The Voice and was crowned the Season 22 winner in December. Following his success, Leatherwood moved to Nashville where he has been songwriting and recording for a forthcoming project onUniversal Music Group Nashville/Republic Records, the first of which is "The Finger," out now. Leatherwood continues to perform live shows, including opening several tour dates for Dwight Yoakum. Online atwww.bryceleatherwood.com.

Chase Rice Featured in Original 'Hook & Barrel' Video Series: "The Chase"

One of Country music’s few Diamond-certified songwriters, Chase Rice, is profiled in a brand-new Hook & Barrel original video series titled “The Chase,” out now. The captivating feature from the outdoor lifestyle publication offers an intimate look into Rice’s life and passions away from the stage as he reflects on his artistry and musical journey. Watch Below.
 
Armed with a rifle and guitar, Rice sets out on an epic elk hunt in the rugged high desert of Utah, where he finds a much-needed respite from touring life and a deep connection to nature. This short film, the first of its kind from Hook & Barrel, takes place in the breathtaking Utah mountains and follows Rice as, together with editor-in-chief John Radzwilla, he scouts and chases the perfect bull before celebrating the day’s success with a fireside acoustic set of songs from his latest album, Go Down Singin’, plus a preview of unreleased new music. 
 
The feature highlights Rice’s passion for storytelling as he opens up through candid conversations about his career evolution and personal growth, giving viewers a rare glimpse into the man behind the music – including his decision to leave a major label deal to release Go Down Singin’ independently, a bold move that has redefined his career. The album has been heralded by fans and critics alike as an authentic statement of his artistic evolution.  As Billboard declares, “his new music leans toward rootsier, raw-rock driven sounds, trading party anthems for introspective lyrical themes,” while “his voice conveys a crackling warmth of self-reflection and an easy-going comfortableness with his new sound.” Rolling Stone highlights the album as “an excellent collection of poignant, often anthemic country,” noting that it finds Rice “trying to do what creative people are supposed to: grow and change,” while Cowboys & Indians proclaims that “maturity and clarity are the reality on Chase Rice’s new album…one of 2024’s most well-received country albums of the year.”
 
With new music already in the works as anticipation builds for the next chapter in Rice’s career, fans can also see him live on the upcoming Go Down Singin’ International Tour, kicking off in March and visiting cities across the United States, Canada and Australia, with Rice also appearing on several major festival lineups throughout the year.
 
For more information on all things Chase Rice, visit ChaseRice.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter and TikTok @ChaseRiceMusic and on Instagram @ChaseRice.

About Chase Rice
With more than 2.6 million albums sold and over 2.8 billion total streams, plus a legion of passionate fans at his high-energy concerts across the globe, Chase Rice has established himself as a powerful force in Nashville and beyond. With independent album Go Down Singin’ available everywhere now as the follow-up to the critically acclaimed I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell, and both brought together on brand new offering Fireside Sessions, Rice’s sound continues to evolve to reflect the realities of his life; from emotional reckoning to an admiration of the American West. The new music serves as a follow up to his three-part project, The Album, which featured his latest Platinum-certified No. 1 hit, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” and the Platinum-certified Top 10 hit “Lonely If You Are.”
 
This is the same gravelly-voiced Chase Rice fans first fell in love with years ago – but better, freer; unbeholden and uninhibited. The new music builds upon the success of his sophomore album, Lambs & Lions, which featured the 3x Platinum, two-week chart topper “Eyes On You” – Rice’s first No. 1 as an artist and the most-streamed song of his career. Lambs & Lions followed Platinum-certified Ignite the Night, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and No. 3 on the all-genre chart, producing a pair of Top 5 hits; Platinum-certified “Gonna Wanna Tonight” and Double Platinum “Ready Set Roll.” In addition to guesting on sold-out stadium shows with Kenny Chesney and Garth Brooks, Rice served as direct support on Dierks Bentley’s 2024 Gravel & Gold Tour and consistently sells out venues on his own headlining tours across the U.S. and beyond, with the Go Down Singin’ International Tour set to kick off in early 2025.

Morgan Wallen Sets 2025 Tour, Reveals Title of 4th Studio Album

On the heels of One Night At A Time becoming the highest-selling country tour in history – receiving two 36th Annual Pollstar Awards nominations for Major Tour of the Year and Country Tour of the Year, playing to over 3 million fans across 87 shows in 10 countries – Morgan Wallen is rewriting his setlist as he unveils the title of his 4th studio album: I’m The Problem. The highly-anticipated project sparks the coinciding 10 city, 19-stadium-dates 2025 I’m The Problem Tour, produced by Live Nation.
 
A rotating lineup of guests including Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and Koe Wetzel join in direct support with Gavin Adcock, Corey Kent, Ella Langley and Anne Wilson as first-of-three across select dates. 
 
“We made so many lifelong memories on the One Night at A Time World Tour, and I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for my fans and the way they showed up each night,” reflects Wallen. “As I’ve been working on new music, it has inspired me to get back on the road and share these new songs with each of you on the I’m The Problem Tour. See y’all there.”
 
Fans can sign up for the Artist Presale HERE now until Tuesday, January 28 at 10pm PST. The Artist Presale will begin Thursday, January 30. Presale start times vary by market, check your local listings for more information. The general on-sale will begin Friday, January 31 at 10 a.m. local time at MorganWallen.com.
 
The title track is available Friday, January 31 on all streaming platforms, and was written by Wallen, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Grady Block and Jamie McLaughlin, and produced by Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome. Pre-save HERE.
 
Kicking off June 20 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, Wallen’s 19-show run will include stops in Seattle, Washington; Foxborough, Massachusetts; Toronto, Ontario and more. Coupled with his much buzzed about inaugural Sand In My Boots Festival taking place in Gulf Shores, Alabama May 16-18, these 20 shows are the only place to see the superstar in 2025. 
 
A portion of every ticket sold benefits the Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF) which supports programs for youth with a focus on sports and music. During the span of One Night At A Time, MWF partnered with Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation to donate $500,000 worth of musical instruments to schools in need across 14 U.S. 2024 stadium touring cities. For more information, please visit www.morganwallenfoundation.org.
 
I’m The Problem comes as Wallen’s preceding projects, Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time, landed No. 1 and No. 6 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums of the 21st Century, respectively, following their blockbuster success. His third studio album, One Thing At A Time, sat atop the Billboard 200 Albums chart for 19 non-consecutive weeks – the most at No. 1 by a Country album – and yielded seven No. 1 singles at Country radio.
 
“I’m The Problem” follows Wallen’s latest, “Smile,” which reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart and was lauded by Good Morning America as “a moody heartbreak number.” Previous release “Lies Lies Lies” became Wallen’s 16th No. 1 at Country radio, while “Love Somebody” became Wallen’s first solo song to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Love Somebody” debuted on 11 charts globally upon release and led Wallen to become the first artist to have three singles each sit atop the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts simultaneously.
 
In addition to headlining I’m The Problem in 2025, Wallen will also host his inaugural Sand In My Boots Festival on the beaches of Gulf Shores, AL in May. The festival, which sold out in less than two hours of on-sale, will feature headlining sets by Wallen, Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn and HARDY across three days and three nights, with additional guests including Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, T-Pain, Diplo, Wiz Khalifa, The War on Drugs, 2 Chainz, Chase Rice, Three 6 Mafia, 3 Doors Down, Ella Langley, ERNEST, Morgan Wade, Moneybagg Yo and more. For full details, visit sandinmybootsfest.com.

About Morgan Wallen
Dubbed Country’s “dominant superstar” by Stereogum with more than 3.1 million fans attending his One Night At A Time World Tour, the genre’s highest-selling tour ever, two-time 2025 GRAMMY nominee Morgan Wallen is entering 2025 with a refreshed setlist at hand, releasing new music, and preparing to headline his I'm The Problem Tour beginning June 20 in Houston, Texas. Before the tour kicks off, Wallen’s all-genre Sand In My Boots Music Festival, which sold out in less than 2 hours, hits Gulf Shores, Alabama in May.
 
With both Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time checking in at No. 1 and 6 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums of the 21st Century, respectively, Wallen’s reign atop the charts has landed him 19 Billboard Music Awards to-date in just four years. The instant success of One Thing At A Time left The New York Times proclaiming Wallen as “one of the biggest stars in pop, period.” Recent release “Love Somebody” debuted at No. 1 globally across five countries and 11 charts, leading Wallen to become the first artist to have three singles sit atop the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts simultaneously.
 
Wallen donates a portion from every ticket sold to his Morgan Wallen Foundation. More at MorganWallen.com.

JOHN MORGAN’S DEBUT ALBUM, CAROLINA BLUE, AVAILABLE APRIL 25

Prolific #1 hit songwriter John Morgan’s highly anticipated debut album, Carolina Blue, will release Friday, April 25, as his debut radio single “Friends Like That (feat. Jason Aldean)” soars toward Top 10. Pre-order/pre-save/pre-add HERE and listen now to “Crickets.” 

“With Carolina Blue, I hope there’s relatability in the songs we chose and that the lyrics within them strike a chord,” John shares of his excitement of the debut. “I’m a dad and married and in a different stage of life than I was when I first moved from North Carolina to Nashville. I don’t try to be anything I’m not. I’ve never been good at that and know folks can snuff that out pretty quick. I hope these songs give people a message that there’s value in whatever they are doing. Most of the people that hear this are working the blue collar jobs I’d be doing if this wasn’t working, and I want them to hear their stories and feel their worth in this album.”

Having “already established his bonafides in the songwriting realm” (Billboard), being lauded as an “accomplished songwriter” by People and “Music City Songwriting Star” by the Tennessean, the boldly gritty North Carolina native will deliver a tantalizing robust 12-track debut. A brilliantly curated collection of songs, the authentically humble and tenaciously driven powerhouse artist - who has “stadium-ready written all over him” (All Country News) - not only co-wrote every track on the project but also co-produced it alongside Brent Anderson. 

Exploring the complex layers of relationships a man can have with women throughout his life - whether he’s yearning for momma’s cooking and a Smoky Mountain porch or going on-and-on about the one who caught his eye - the record includes the previously released “I Know Better,” the blue-collar, 18-wheeler anthem “Long Ride Home,” and today’s jaunty new track "Crickets” that boasts a tempo-ready groove proving that sometimes Mother Nature is the only soundtrack needed. 

Heading out with Chase Matthew along with making his 2025 Stagecoach Festival debut, the tactful artist that Saving Country Music advised to “keep on your radar” just dropped the official music video for his rowdy party starter “Friends Like That.” Featuring Jason Aldean, the skillfully clever song is currently surging into the Top 10 at country radio and has received critical acclaim from Billboard, MusicRow, Tennessean and more.

About John Morgan: 

With a style that’s defined by melodic grit and a craftsman’s approach to songwriting, John Morgan brings a blue-collar toughness to country that’s pulled straight from the only life he knows. Hailing from a tiny town called Sylva, deep in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, John grew up immersed in bluegrass tradition and even toured the festival circuit each summer in a family band, before diving into songwriting, inspired by six-string legends from Tony Rice to John Mayer. Now, “a Music City songwriting star” (Tennessean), he has earned cuts with Jon Pardi, Dustin Lynch, Thomas Rhett and an outstanding 16 for Jason Aldean, including the superstar’s #1 songs - “Trouble With A Heartbreak” and the GRAMMY® nominated, ACM Single of the Year “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood, along with Aldean’s latest single at country radio “Whiskey Drink” currently climbing the charts. Praised by People as an “accomplished songwriter,” Aldean signed the sought-after, powerhouse artist “with guitar skills that will knock your cowboy boots off" (Nash News) to Night Train Records, his imprint with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Having made his Grand Ole Opry debut and logging hours on the road opening for Aldean, ERNEST, Riley Green, Nate Smith and Jameson Rodgers, his party starter smash "Friends Like That" - featuring Jason Aldean - is currently surging into the Top 10 at country radio. With the Tennessean praising the “live concert favorite whose banjo and steel underpinnings still allow room for a hard-rocking core,” John's breakout radio single has Billboard applauding, “Broken hearts aren’t typically pleasurable, although the breezy melody and pulsing guitars on ‘Friends Like That’ make loneliness sound attractive.” Giving fans a taste of new music with the jaunty “Crickets,” confident “I Know Better” and heartrendingly smooth “Long Ride Home,” John Morgan’s highly anticipated debut album, Carolina Blue, drops April 25. 

KEEP UP WITH JOHN MORGAN
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Koe Wetzel Graces POLLSTAR Cover, Celebrating His Rise as a Modern-Day Rebel

Koe Wetzel, the chart-topping renegade whose electrifying blend of Red Dirt country, grunge rock and outlaw spirit has earned him a loyal following across the globe, kicks off 2025 as this week’s POLLSTAR cover artist. Highlighting Wetzel’s meteoric rise and his unparalleled connection with fans, the profile explores how the Texas-born artist has reshaped the boundaries of country music with his unapologetic authenticity and relentless touring schedule.
 
From headlining sold-out shows at iconic venues like Red Rocks and throughout Europe to making history with his latest album 9 Lives and five-week No. 1 lead single “High Road (feat. Jessie Murph),” Wetzel has proven that his unique “hillbilly punk rock” sound resonates far beyond the genre’s traditional limits.
 
“This tour, we had a lot of new fans who weren’t used to how hard we go. I could see it on their faces,” Wetzel shares in the cover story celebrating the “under-the-radar superstar.” “People leave going, ‘That was a lot.’ But they love everything about it.”
 
“Koe doesn’t hold back onstage,” added manager Jeb Hurt. “He says outlandish things. He cusses. He tells wild stories. Fans respect that and have come to expect it from him. They look forward to Koe’s shows, because it’s an opportunity to be yourself and not worry about who’s watching or listening.”
 
AEG’s Adam Weisser echoed Wetzel’s fan-first mentality, recounting a time when his drummer missed a flight to a show – something that would push most artists to postpone or cancel. “Koe had the best idea,” he shared with POLLSTAR. “He said ‘Refreshments are on me. Go get beers. Go get whatever. I’m buying the concessions. I’m coming back in 15 minutes, and I’m gonna play.”
 
“Koe didn’t build it from TikTok or one radio hit,” noted Chicago-based promoter Ed Warm, who has booked him multiple times on progressively larger stages, from Joe’s on Weed St. and Joe’s Rosemont to now headlining the 2025 Windy City Smokeout. “It was one fan at a time, one city at a time, but everywhere he played, they came back with three or four friends. That first time he played (for us), I was energized. I thought, ‘This is different. This isn’t your dad’s Red Dirt music, it’s a seismic shift in how the music’s going. But it fits how raw and real and genuine Red Dirt is.’” 
 
His music has resonated overseas, too, with BBC Radio 2’s “Country Show” producer Mark Hagen adding, “What Koe does very well is not be any one thing – not a straight up country player, not a Southern rocker, not a metalhead, but a bit of all those at once. Historically, that really appeals to the UK audience accustomed to the idea that genre is not as important as the quality of your songs… We have a fondness for acts who have a distinct character to them. Koe certainly has that. You can’t mistake him for anyone else.”
 
Following the landmark success of 2024, Wetzel is already gearing up for another high-throttle year on the road, with upcoming headlining shows at the San Antonio Rodeo, Windy City Smokeout, Tailgate N’ Tallboys and more, plus prominent sets at Stagecoach and CMC Rocks (Australia) and more exciting tour news coming soon.
 
For more information, visit KoeWetzelMusic.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook @KoeWetzelMusic, TikTok @Koe_Wetzel and Twitter/X @KoeWetzel. 

About Koe Wetzel
Koe Wetzel never met a genre wall he couldn’t tear down. The Texas singer-songwriter has earned a rabid audience for his songs that mix country, rock, hip-hop, and even Nineties grunge. With his defining fifth studio album, 9 Lives, released in 2025 via Columbia Records, Wetzel earned recognition on several major year-end best-of lists, including Rolling Stone, Billboard, the Tennessean and more, with the Los Angeles Times naming lead single “High Road” (feat. Jessie Murph) as the No. 8 best song of 2024 across all genres. The single not only marked Wetzel’s debut at Country radio, it also held the No. 1 spot for five weeks and became his fastest song to reach the RIAA Platinum milestone to date. Previously, his 2016 album Noise Complaint endeared him to fans with its no-holds-barred lyrics about drunken nights, broken hearts and stints in jail, and included the Gold-certified hits “Love” (feat. Parker McCollum), “Something to Talk About” plus the infamous “February 28, 2016.” Wetzel’s 2020 major label debut, Sellout, only furthered his legend with the Platinum-certified “Drunk Driving” and “Good Die Young” plus the Gold-certified “Kuntry & Wistern.” The 2022 follow-up, Hell Paso, hit No. 3 on Billboard’s Country Albums and spawned hits on both the country and rock charts, including the Gold-certified “Creeps” and “Cabo.” To date, Wetzel has amassed 3.7 billion total streams and has created a genuine experience with his live concerts, which he describes as “total chaos.” In 2023 alone, he sold more than 275,000 tickets, appearing for a third time on POLLSTAR’s Top Worldwide Tours. Wetzel again performed for well over 200,000 fans across the U.S. in Europe in 2024, with over 96% of all headline tickets sold, in addition to playing prominent festival sets and opening for Morgan Wallen on the superstar’s One Night at a Time Stadium Tour.

KVRMA Unleash their Self Titled Debut EP along with Fiery NEW Track "Pendulum"

Get ready for a masterful musical journey as the ground breaking band KVRMA unleashes their highly anticipated debut EP, "=" out now!

In "=" KVRMA blends various rock and metal influences along with cutting edge symphonics and melodic vocals, creating a futuristic sound that showcases KVRMA full talents. Each track delivers a potent dose of adrenaline, offering a perfect mix of guitars, anthemic choruses and ambiance, and the type of attitude that defines KVRMA at its finest.

ABOUT PENDULUM

"Pendulum" is about the inescapable journey into the future, as seen through the horrified eye of someone who wants nothing more than to hold onto the past; A panicked soul watching helplessly as their identity and sense of self is swept away by the unstoppable forward current of time...

"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player / That struts and frets his hour upon the stage / And then is heard no more." 

- William Shakespeare (Macbeth)

ABOUT KVRMA

KVRMA is a high energy rock and metal band hailing from Central Pennsylvania. The band consists of musicians with years of experience. Secretly beginning in August of 2023, the band quickly began writing music and recording at Atrium Audio with Carson Slovak and Grant McFarland. The band released their first single “SILENCE” in April of 2024 and subsequently announced the forming of the band to the public.

KVRMA is honored to be nominated for Best New Band and Best Hard Rock band at this year's Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame

In under a year of being an official band, KVRMAhave recorded and released an entire EP, they have done three music videos acquiring thousands of views, and are looking to get more under their belt. Their debut performance was opening for New Years Day. This is only the beginning.

KVRMA IS:

Jackson Gurecki | Vocals

Michael Nelson | Vocals/Guitar

AJ Lopez | Guitar

Tyler Travis | Bass

Dane Lowell | Drums

Kyle Wilkinson | former drummer special shout out 

Alexander Cardinale Spreads Hope & Unity Through Timeless Anthem “Peace Train”

In late 2019, singer-songwriter Alexander Cardinale and his wife Daphna welcomed their second daughter into the world. At exactly that time, his single “Simple Things” featuring Christina Perri started charting at radio, Cardinale’s family was hit with an unimaginable revelation: A few months after their new baby girl’s birth, the family discovered a life-altering IVF mix-up: the baby wasn’t biologically either of theirs. Their embryo had been accidentally switched, and another had been transferred into Daphna. This meant their birth daughter belonged genetically to another family, and as fate had it, the Cardinale’s biological daughter had been born to their birth daughter’s genetic parents. 

Faced with the impossible, both families naturally found themselves blending together, ensuring the two babies would stay in everyone’s lives and could grow up together as sisters. The experience shifted Cardinale’s entire focus. He stepped away from his rising music career, redirecting all his energy into his family and their healing journey.

Now, years later and in a period of reflection, Cardinale returns to music with renewed purpose. His latest release, a modernized cover of Cat Stevens’ timeless anthem “Peace Train,” is a heartfelt expression of his truth. The single channels his hopes for unity, healing, and resilience—not only for his family but for listeners everywhere.

I reflect on what got me through the darkest period of my life: choosing love,” Cardinale shares. “When faced with an unimaginable situation that could have quickly taken us down, my wife and I made a conscious decision—to embrace love instead of fear, to lean into unity rather than division. It wasn’t an easy choice; the pain, confusion, and uncertainty could have completely overwhelmed us. But in the midst of it all, we found strength in coming together—not just with each other, but with another family who was experiencing the same profoundly unique upheaval.”

He continues “Through that choice—through the power of togetherness—we discovered that love is not just a feeling but an active, courageous commitment. It required us to let go of resentment, extend empathy beyond our own pain, and recognize that healing is a shared journey. Love, not fear, became our guiding force, and in choosing it, we found a sense of peace that transcended the chaos of our circumstances. This lesson directly inspired me to release this song. Through love and unity, we were able to rewrite our story—not as one of loss but of resilience and newfound family. This isn’t just a cover song to me - it’s an ideological mantra.”  

The video for “Peace Train” was directed by Zac Poor and was filmed in a dark, rundown loft just south of downtown Los Angeles. Xander says “Despite the stark and gritty environment, the video’s message is clear: unity and togetherness can transcend differences. It aims to highlight the idea that, regardless of one’s political, cultural, religious, or economic background, there is a shared human connection that binds us all. Through its raw and intimate visuals, the video encourages viewers to look beyond ideological divides and embrace a common sense of humanity and belonging.”

With “Peace Train,” Alexander Cardinale invites fans, old and new, to ride along on a journey of healing, hope, and unity.

About Alexander Cardinale:

Emerging in 2009 with the EP Sick of Dreaming, Cardinale spent nearly a decade honing his skills and building a fan base before diving into the mainstream with the Warner Bros. Records - issued 2016 single "Made for You."  Tenacious and prolific, he spent the early part of his career touring alongside artists like Pentatonix and Melissa Etheridge and landing songs in popular television shows like One Tree Hill, Castle, and Ghost Whisperer. 

He went widescreen in 2016 after the release of the driving folk-pop hit "Made for You,” which was selected to be the global anthem for the Coca-Cola ad campaign “Share a Coke and a Song.” The song garnered billions of impressions worldwide and was featured on 250 million bottles of Coke. 

Subsequently, Cardinale inked a deal with Atlantic Records and teamed up with Christina Perri in 2019 to issue the duet "Simple Things,” which ultimately reached Top 10 at Pop and AC radio. 

Smile Empty Soul Release New Single "Violence" via TLG|ZOID ​

Alt-rock veterans Smile Empty Soul have unveiled the fifth single, "Violence" from their upcoming EP, Swan Song, which is scheduled for release digitally on  2/28/25 and on vinyl/CD 4/11/25 through TLG|ZOID distributed by Virgin Music Group. The band’s previous four singles have been met with an overwhelmingly positive response, building excitement for the upcoming release.

"'Violence' is a song about the many toxic relationships that occur in our society. They seem to be everywhere, be it in the home, the streets, or even the relationship between the people and the government. It’s inescapable," says Sean Danielsen.

The song was written and produced by Sean Danielsen, engineered by Brian Scheffer, mixed and mastered by Eddie Wohl.

Stream "Violence"

https://ffm.to/smileemptysoul-violence

WATCH "Violence" (official lyric video):below

SMILE EMPTY SOUL is a hard rock band that originated in Los Angeles, CA in the late 1990’s and has stayed true to their brand of “no bullshit”, “real as it gets” hard rock to this day. The band signed a major label record deal in 2003 to release their self-titled debut album in May of that year. They realized huge success at alternative radio, rock radio, and the music video channels that have since fallen by the wayside or turned into reality show networks.

After 3 very successful singles/videos and a gold record from the debut release, the band ran into trouble with their record company (which was in the midst of turmoil at the top levels) and found themselves working extra hard in the trenches, and signed to indie labels or no label at all from then on.

This would become SMILE EMPTY SOUL’s destiny, as they have gone on to release many more albums and EP’s on various labels, as well as their own company “smile empty music inc”. The band released their 9th full length record Black Pilled on October 12th of 2021 completely on their own.

“Smile” has become known for its constant touring and never wavering honest sound/lyrics. They’ve never changed for anybody, and turned down many opportunities to “sell out” because it’s not who they are.

With a new album, and just as much drive as they had starting out 20 years ago, this band looks to continue to build on the legacy they’ve created as one of the hardest working, and most underrated bands in rock and roll.

The band has recently partnered with TLG|ZOID distributed by Virgin Music Groupto release new music. Denny Sanders (The Label Group) and Sean Danielsenpreviously partnered on the successful release of Consciousness. Released in 2009 the record has become second only to the band's debut release in popularity.

For More Information Please Visit:

Official Website

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

BraveWords Records Announce the New Jack Starr Solo Album,"Out of the Darkness Part II" will be Released April 25, 2025

BraveWords Records is excited to announce the new Jack Starr solo album,"Out of the Darkness Part II" will be released April 25, 2025.

Jack Starr talking about the new album, “This is the album I always hoped I would make, one that would be filled with power and glory but also melodic and passionate at the same time. This is the sequel to my 1984 album Out of the Darkness, and it truly is a worthy successor that I believe will be embraced with the same affection that greeted the original. So yes, Out of the Darkness Part 2 is here, and I urge everyone to listen to it. Keep the metal burning.”

Video for "Rise Up" from the album Out of the Darkness Part II: Below

Giles Lavery - Vocals (Warlord / Alcatrazz)
Jack Starr - Lead Guitar
Eric Juris - Lead Guitar (Warlord)
Gene Cooper - Bass
Rhino - Drums (Ex Manowar)

Guests Mark Zonder - Drums (Warlord ex Fates Warning)
Jimmy Waldo - Keyboards (Alcatrazz / Warlord / New England)

Produced and mixed by Thomas Mergler
Co-Produced by Giles Lavery & Jack Starr
 
https://www.facebook.com/jackstarrofficialpage/
https://www.youtube.com/@stratluvr
https://www.instagram.com/jackstarrofficial/
https://www.bandsintown.com/a/184296

About Jack Starr:
Starr emerged on the rock and metal scene in 1981, forming, together with Joey Ayvazian, David DeFeis and Joe O’Rielly, the first incarnation of the heavy metal band Virgin Steele. The new band was selected in 1982 by Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records to appear on the label's compilation album U.S. Metal Volume 2. After only two albums, Virgin Steele of 1981 and Guardians of the Flame of 1982, Starr left Virgin Steele in 1983.
 
In 1984, Starr started his solo recording career with the album Out of the Darkness, featuring former Riot vocalist Rhett Forrester, members of The Rods and former Rainbow drummer Gary Driscoll. It was released in Europe by Music for Nations and was picked as one of the best albums of the year by the music magazines Kerrang! and Metal Forces.
 
Starr changed the name of his band to Jack Starr's Burning Starr and between 1984 and 1989 he produced albums, both solo and with the band. The music of those albums was classic American eighties heavy metal, a style between Poison and Metallica. In 1989 the band dissolved and Starr joined short-lived bands like Strider and Smoke Stack Lightning.
 
In the following years, Starr once again assembled a group of musicians for a new incarnation of Burning Starr, which performed at the Magic Circle Festival 2008 and released the album Defiance on Manowar's label Magic Circle Music in 2009. In 2011 they released Land of the Dead with Limb Music. The albums includes ex-Manowar guest musicians Ross the Boss and David Shankle. The band played at the 2013 Keep It True festival and recorded a DVD.
 
About BraveWords Records:
BraveWords Records has released albums by Paul Di'Anno's Warhorse, The Chris Slade Timeline, Rhett Forrester and Rob Robbins, Prophets of Addiction and future releases from Lillian Axe, Crimson Glory and ASKA.

There is a serious void which desperately needs to be filled, hard-working and creative bands that have yet to find a partnership and a mutual vision with a professional team. The music-fuelled minds behind BraveWords Records, Brian Adams, Giles Lavery, Tim Henderson and Michael Brandvold, have built the ultimate home for an artist that will take you where you want to be. Collectively, with nearly 100 years of music industry experience under our belts, the BraveWords Records team will take care of all the crucial aspects of your project from global distribution (digital and physical), publicity and media coverage (web, radio, visual), social media blanketing and streaming opportunities (such as Streaming For Vengeance). Where most labels have forgotten the concept of actually marketing a release sensibly, BraveWords Records will construct a viable and comprehensive marketing plan, including visibility at BraveWords.com, which attracts a million visitors monthly. BraveWords Records has all senses on high alert as the music industry continues its never-ending transitioning, so the artist will always be aware of new opportunities to build their brand and strive for world domination. BraveWords will also have a focus on licensing film and TV content, both contemporary and retrospective across many genres. As artists and labels transition to the many new mediums available today for their work, BraveWords intends to stay ahead of the curve in providing and actively seeking opportunities for our roster of clients.

With the rapid spread of the world wide web, BraveWords.com was born in 2000 and quickly became the CNN of heavy metal. With its team of global writers and photographers, the site flourished with 24/7 updated news, features, reviews, audio and video steams.

For nearly 30 years, BraveWords wears their metal heart loudly on their sleeve, as they celebrate the greatest genre of music with the most dedicated and passionate fans on the planet!
 

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THE HUNNA Officially Sign With FLG, The Newly Launched Imprint of Frontiers Label Group

FLG, the newly launched imprint of Frontiers Label Group, is excited to announce its signing of THE HUNNA, the powerhouse alternative rock trio from Watford, Hertfordshire. With over 750 million streams across their discography, sold-out tours around the globe, and a decade-long career filled with successful albums and high-profile collaborations, THE HUNNA has solidified their reputation as one of the most dynamic forces in modern rock.

Known for their explosive live performances and raw authenticity, THE HUNNA first made waves in 2015 with breakout tracks "Bonfire" and "She’s Casual". Their debut album, '100', reached #12 on the Official UK Album Chart and became a streaming sensation, amassing over 250 million streams to date. Subsequent albums, including 'Dare' (2018) and 'I’d Rather Die Than Let You In' (2020), continued to build their strong reputation, featuring collaborations with icons such as Travis Barker (Blink-182) and Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy).

THE HUNNA shared their excitement about joining FLG:

“After navigating many ups and downs with representation in our career and carefully evaluating our next steps, we feel confident we’ve found the right home with FLG. Their belief in what this band has built and their shared drive to take it even further makes us incredibly excited for this next chapter.”

Leo Nicholas, Head of A&R at FLG, expressed his enthusiasm:

“We’re beyond thrilled to welcome THE HUNNA to the FLG family. Their raw energy, powerful songwriting, and deep connection with their fans align perfectly with our vision. We can’t wait to help propel their sound to even greater heights and continue to build on their incredible legacy.”

In 2024, THE HUNNA embraced independence by stepping away from traditional management and label structures. That year proved to be a career highlight, featuring a main stage debut at Download Festival, sold-out UK tours, and a standout Wembley Arenaperformance supporting Palaye Royale.

As they gear up for new music and tours in 2025, THE HUNNA’s partnership with FLG marks the beginning of an exciting new era, ensuring their signature energy and anthemic sound will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

📸: Michael Francis